How hard is it to get a job at a ski shop?

I know every store is different, and a lot of it has to do with their openings and what not. But every time i've tried, it just kind of goes horribly. I don't know or claim to know a ton about skis, but i know more than your average joe, and i have a pretty good resume and set of references.

But it seems like they only want people with professional experience tuning skis, which ive never been able to get. Is there generally an optimal time to apply, and what are some things i should/shouldn't say to stand out. I always dress well, even to pick up an application, and ive never struggled to get any other job. It would be really good to here from a store or a manager to know what you look for.

"You've got a fucking stupid opinion" - ehv

Q - "If you could be any musical instrument what would you be, and why?"
A - "A bagpipe, because they're obnoxious and get blown by old men" - Mr.Sloth

Honestly, I hated working at a shop, besides the discounts which are nice I guess, have fun explaining to gapers why X ski with a sintered base and sidewall is better than Y ski with a foam core and bright graphics that sells for 1/4 the cost.

I also know 'quite a lot' about skis, and they just didn't care. It was a 'big box' store with a racing history and it was all about who you knew. I sold accessories while kids who didn't even ski were fitting boots on their first day because they were 'x's nephew' or friends of someone high up. Needless to say, I no longer work for the shop.....

Im moving to somewhere that has some good shops, where ive found the people know what their doing and deal with a slightly more "core" clientele. Not to say gapers who like shiny topsheets don't ever shop there, but the two shops i have in mind are owned and run by freeskiers who i have met and enjoy, which i could probably use to my advantage. Im not planning on working at REI or Big 5, nothing against them, but i don't think i could deal with the high level of stupidity on a daily basis.

"You've got a fucking stupid opinion" - ehv

Q - "If you could be any musical instrument what would you be, and why?"
A - "A bagpipe, because they're obnoxious and get blown by old men" - Mr.Sloth

People I know who work in shops started in the retail sections, then bother the ski techs to show them stuff, and then do work for them (pick up shifts), then get recommended when positions open for ski tech.

Well thanks ya'll. I'll hit up the shops and see if i can intern a few hours a week. I wish i wasn't in a position where i had to make money, trying to intern when i was 15 would have been a lot smarter.

"You've got a fucking stupid opinion" - ehv

Q - "If you could be any musical instrument what would you be, and why?"
A - "A bagpipe, because they're obnoxious and get blown by old men" - Mr.Sloth